Travel Trends & Tips

The Best Cities to Visit in Central and Eastern Europe

Travel Blog

Traveller: Laurie Bizouard May 27, 2026 05 Minutes Read

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One of the greatest benefits of rail holidays, besides the unforgettable views often missed by other transport methods, is the ease of travelling between Central and Eastern Europe. With over 15 years of travel experience, our team have explored the region extensively, discovering some of the best cities to visit in Europe for their atmosphere, cuisine and overall charm. All that’s left for you to do is decide when to go and what to pack.

Prague

Attracting visitors all year round, Prague offers a blend of modern and traditional Czech living, making it an ideal destination for travellers interested in history, culture, architecture, and vibrant city life. 

Prague is spread over both sides of the River Vltava, in similar fashion to Budapest, with your rail holiday beginning on the west side of the city. Upon arrival, you’ll be within reach of landmarks such as the Strahov Monastery, famous for its stunning 12th century library space, and Prague castle, awarded its UNESCO heritage status for its largest complex in the world.

Prague is also lined with beautiful outdoor spaces, including Wallenstein Garden located next to the Senate buildings, and Petrin Hill, providing you with sweeping panoramic views of the entire city. We recommend taking a ride on the funicular to reach the top, in true Czech style. 

Our favourite way to visit Prague is onboard the world-famous Venice-Simplon Orient Express, appealing to guests for its luxury atmosphere and service, across restored 1920s and 1930s carriages, dining experiences, and slow, scenic travel. During a Venice Simplon-Orient Express rail holiday, you’ll have the choice to explore the best cities to visit in central Europe, like Vienna, Paris, Budapest and many others.

Vienna

We highly recommend adding a trip to Vienna on your Austria rail holiday. This city is bursting with vibrant attractions from world-class music performances to cosy town squares lined with family-run restaurants and impressive seasonal charm all -year-round.

Following the lively streets of Vienna, you’ll discover grand landmarks such as St Stephen’s Cathedral and Schönbrunn Palace, attracting visitors because of their historical significance and outstanding architecture. 

Vienna proudly preserves its world-famous musical heritage, with the city being home to composers such as Beethoven and Mozart. There really isn’t a better place to visit the Opera than here, where you’ll experience world-class performances at the heart of classical music culture. 

Here in the centre of the city, you’ll also find classy coffee houses, such as Cafe Central, famous for its filmset- like interior and in-house patisserie. Coffee houses are an important part of Viennese lifestyle and culture, therefore making it one of the few cities where stopping for a coffee between landmarks is an experience itself.

Berlin

Berlin, located in the north west of Germany, is a popular destination for culture and history enthusiasts alike. Playing an important role across many notable conflicts in the past, this city holds its history within its architecture, museums and public landmarks. 

Upon arrival in Berlin, we recommend visiting Museum Island, allowing you to explore some of the world’s most significant pieces across art, archaeology and antiques from across history. Berlin’s culture isn’t just contained within these walls- you’ll explore outdoor art murals, independent galleries and an impressive array of statues and structures spread around the city, including Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Gate.

Our Berlin rail holidays include a 24 hour hop-on-hop-off bus tour, allowing you to explore the city effortlessly. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the city by boat along the River Spree, giving you a different perspective of the riverside landmarks. 

Budapest

Budapest, one of the most charming cities in Central Europe and located in Hungary, is filled with sophistication and wonder. With the River Danube flowing through the centre, there is plenty to explore in both Buda and Pest, from historic castles and churches to the bustling shopping district and idyllic thermal baths. 

While exploring Buda, we recommend visiting the Fisherman’s Bastion, often described as fairytale-like by locals and visitors alike. The Bastion can be reached via steps, though the funicular offers a scenic alternative if you’re wishing to immerse yourself in Hungarian tradition. Also on this side of the river, you’ll find Buda castle and Mattias church, both visible from Danube river cruises. 

Connecting Buda and Pest, you’ll walk along Széchenyi Chain Bridge, leading you to lively hotspots like the impressive Hungarian Parliament building and St Stephen’s Basilica. As well as stunning architecture, travellers to Pest can also explore the traditional Thermal baths, like Veli Bej Bath for example, which dates back to the 16th Century.

Book now 

Ready to explore the best cities in Central and Eastern Europe? 

Travelling by rail offers seamless access to these destinations, and through Marvellous Escapes, our travel experts will build your dream holiday based on your preferences. From luxury rail journeys and accommodation to curated itineraries, we handle every detail on our tours.

Speak to our team, today, to book your next rail getaway. You can also connect with us via phone on 020 3764 2445. We look forward to hearing from you.